A couple up-and-comers in the UFC’s lightweight division will clash on Aug. 23, when Montreal’s Olivier-Aubin Mercier takes on Chris Wade.
The UFC announced the fight on Monday via its UFC Canada Twitter feed.
The 26-year old Mercier (6-1) has won two fights in a row, his latest coming at UFC 186 in April against David Machaud, whom he submitted via third-round rear-naked choke. Mercier was a finalist on The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs. Australia fighting as a welterweight. He dropped a split decision against Chad Laprise in the Finale.
The former collegiate wrestler Wade (10-1) has gone undefeated in the UFC since choking out Cain Carrizosa at UFC 177 in his debut. The 27-year old New Yorker is coming off a decision victory over Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night 68 in New Orleans. Wade also has a decision victory over Zhang Lipeng.
UFC Fight Night 74 takes place at the SaskTel Centre on Aug. 23 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The main event will pit featherweight upstart Max Holloway against Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace, Charles Oliveira. Other fights slated for the card are Rick Story vs. Erick Silva and Patrick Cote vs. Josh Burkman.